Did BNSC force BAA to dump Thebe for Makwala?

Makwala had a stellar 2017 PIC: MONIRUL BHUIYAN
Makwala had a stellar 2017 PIC: MONIRUL BHUIYAN

The Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) reportedly arm-twisted the Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) to dump Baboloki Thebe and instead, submit Isaac Makwala’s name for the Botswana Sports Awards to be held next month.

It is reported that the BAA had picked Thebe ahead of Makwala, but the BNSC overruled the decision. However, BNSC chief executive officer (CEO), Falcon Sedimo said they did not have powers to change decisions made by affiliates. However, he said they can negotiate with an affiliate until a solution is found. “The BNSC cannot overrule a code but can advise and negotiate until an agreement is reached,” he said. Sedimo added that there is an awards adjudication panel that handled the nominations. The nominees were released on Wednesday evening and Makwala has been nominated for Sportsman of the Year award. He is pitted against Ofentse Bakwadi of karate and Rajab Otukile Mohammed of boxing.  Mmegi Sport has learnt that the BAA executive committee had agreed that Thebe should be the one contesting for the award not Makwala.

“We agreed on Thebe and dismissed Makwala’s solo run. We also looked at the results where Makwala finished fifth in the 200m,” said a source. According to information released by BNSC, Makwala was nominated because he won a silver medal with the men’s 4x400m at the IAAF World relays in the Bahamas. He won the IAAF Diamond League in the 400m in 2017.

Editor's Comment
Congratulations Anicia Gaothuse!

The contest had 10 beautiful young girls as finalists and unfortunately only one could wear the crown.The judges picked Anicia Gaothuse. To all those who feel their contestant should have won ahead of Anicia for whatever reason, hardly; the judges found Anicia to be the best among the best, so desist from disrespecting our newly crowned queen on social media or anywhere else, for that matter! Each of the 10 beautiful young women had supporters...

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